Dulce de Leche Cheerios Nutrition Facts & More
A Sweet and Balanced Breakfast Option
Dulce de Leche Cheerios, a sweet twist on the classic breakfast cereal from General Mills, offers a unique flavor profile inspired by the popular Latin American caramel spread. This indulgent variation of Cheerios has captured the taste buds of many cereal enthusiasts.
A 3/4 cup serving of Dulce de Leche Cheerios contains 100 calories, with 22 grams of carbohydrates, 1.5 grams of fat, and 2 grams of protein. The cereal provides a good source of essential nutrients, including iron and vitamin C, making it a tasty option for those seeking a balanced breakfast.
While Dulce de Leche Cheerios may satisfy sweet cravings, consumers should be mindful of portion sizes and consider incorporating it as part of a varied diet. As with many cereals, it's important to balance the enjoyment of its unique flavor with overall nutritional needs.
Nutritional Profile Overview
Dulce de Leche Cheerios offer a unique sweet flavor in a breakfast cereal. A 3/4 cup (27g) serving contains 100 calories, making it a moderate calorie option for a quick breakfast or snack.
The macronutrient breakdown of this cereal is primarily carbohydrates. It consists of 80% carbs, 12% fat, and 7% protein. This distribution aligns with many other breakfast cereals on the market.
For those tracking their nutrient intake, Dulce de Leche Cheerios provide some essential vitamins and minerals. The cereal is a good source of iron, supplying 50% of the Daily Value per serving. It also contains 25% of the Daily Value for vitamin C.
The cereal's fat content is relatively low, though specific information on saturated, trans, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats is not provided in the search results. Similarly, details on cholesterol and sodium content are not explicitly mentioned.
It's worth noting that as a sweetened cereal, Dulce de Leche Cheerios likely contain added sugars. Consumers watching their sugar intake may want to consider this when incorporating the cereal into their diet.
Vitamins and Minerals Content
Dulce de Leche Cheerios offer a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. This cereal is fortified with several B vitamins, including vitamin B6 and B12.
A 3/4 cup serving provides 25% of the daily value for vitamin C and 5% for vitamin D. Vitamin A is also present, with each serving containing 1852 IU, which is 62% of the daily value.
Iron is a standout mineral in Dulce de Leche Cheerios. A single serving delivers 50% of the daily value, making it an excellent source of this important nutrient.
Calcium and potassium are also found in this cereal. Each serving contains 99.9mg of calcium (8% DV) and 73.4mg of potassium (2% DV).
Other minerals present include:
Magnesium: 59mg (14% DV)
Phosphorus: 59.9mg (5% DV)
The cereal also contains trace amounts of zinc and copper, contributing to its overall nutritional profile.
It's important to note that while Dulce de Leche Cheerios provide various vitamins and minerals, they should be part of a balanced diet that includes a wide range of nutrient-rich foods.
Sugar and Fiber Analysis
Dulce de Leche Cheerios contain both added sugars and dietary fiber, each with distinct nutritional impacts. The cereal's sugar content provides sweetness and quick energy, while its fiber offers digestive benefits.
Impact of Sugars on Health
Dulce de Leche Cheerios contain 5.6g of total sugars per serving. Added sugars contribute to the cereal's sweet taste but offer little nutritional value. Excessive sugar intake can lead to weight gain, tooth decay, and increased risk of chronic diseases.
The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar to:
6 teaspoons (25g) per day for women
9 teaspoons (38g) per day for men
Consuming sugary cereals in moderation as part of a balanced diet is key. Pairing Dulce de Leche Cheerios with protein-rich foods can help balance blood sugar levels and increase satiety.
Benefits of Dietary Fiber
Dulce de Leche Cheerios provide 2g of dietary fiber per serving, contributing to the recommended daily intake of 25-30g for adults. Fiber aids digestion, promotes regular bowel movements, and helps maintain gut health.
Key benefits of dietary fiber include:
Lowering cholesterol levels
Controlling blood sugar
Promoting feelings of fullness
Supporting weight management
Whole grain oats in Cheerios supply both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber forms a gel-like substance in the digestive tract, while insoluble fiber adds bulk to stool. Combining Dulce de Leche Cheerios with fruits or nuts can further boost fiber intake.
Understanding Fats in Cereals
Fats play an important role in the nutritional profile of cereals like Dulce de Leche Cheerios. According to the nutrition facts, a 3/4 cup serving contains 1.5 grams of total fat.
Saturated fat in this cereal is minimal, at only 1 gram per serving. This is a positive attribute, as limiting saturated fat intake is generally recommended for heart health.
Trans fat is absent in Dulce de Leche Cheerios, which is beneficial since trans fats are considered harmful to cardiovascular health.
The remaining fat content likely consists of healthier unsaturated fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These types of fats can contribute to a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.
While not specifically listed for this cereal, some fatty acids found in other foods include:
Omega-3s: DHA, EPA, and DPA
Omega-6s: Linoleic acid
Cereals are not typically significant sources of these specialized fatty acids. The fats in most cereals primarily serve as energy sources and help with nutrient absorption.
When evaluating cereal nutrition, it's important to consider fat content alongside other nutrients like carbohydrates, fiber, and added sugars for a comprehensive understanding of the product's nutritional value.
Protein Content and Quality
Dulce de Leche Cheerios contain a modest amount of protein. Per 3/4 cup serving, these breakfast cereals provide approximately 1.8 grams of protein. This represents about 4% of the recommended daily value for protein intake.
The protein in Cheerios comes primarily from whole grain oats. Oat protein contains a balanced mix of essential amino acids, making it a relatively high-quality plant-based protein source.
Essential amino acids found in oat protein include:
Leucine
Lysine
Threonine
Phenylalanine
Valine
While the protein content is not particularly high, Dulce de Leche Cheerios can contribute to overall daily protein intake when combined with other protein-rich foods. Adding milk or yogurt to a bowl of these cereals can significantly boost the meal's total protein content.
For those seeking higher protein options, other Cheerios varieties or alternative breakfast cereals may offer more substantial amounts. Combining Dulce de Leche Cheerios with nuts, seeds, or Greek yogurt can create a more protein-rich breakfast.
Daily Value Percentages
Dulce de Leche Cheerios provide several key nutrients as a percentage of Daily Value (DV). A 3/4 cup serving contains 25% of the DV for vitamin D and vitamin C.
Iron is particularly abundant, with 50% of the DV in a single serving. This makes Dulce de Leche Cheerios an excellent source of this essential mineral.
The cereal is relatively low in fat, with total fat at 2% of the DV and saturated fat at 1% of the DV per serving.
Calorie-wise, a 3/4 cup serving of Dulce de Leche Cheerios contains 100-102 calories. This represents about 5% of a 2,000 calorie daily diet, which is used as a general reference point for nutrition labeling.
The FDA considers 5% DV or less of a nutrient per serving to be low, while 20% DV or more is considered high. By this standard, Dulce de Leche Cheerios are high in iron and vitamins D and C, while low in fat.
Flavor Profile and Ingredients
Dulce de Leche Cheerios offer a unique caramel taste inspired by the popular Latin American confection. The cereal combines classic Cheerios ingredients with special flavorings to create a sweet, dessert-like breakfast option.
Role of Dulce de Leche Flavoring
Dulce de Leche Cheerios incorporate caramel flavoring to mimic the rich, creamy taste of traditional dulce de leche. This flavoring gives the cereal a distinct sweetness and depth. The caramel notes complement the natural oat flavor of Cheerios, creating a balanced taste profile.
The dulce de leche flavor is baked into each piece of cereal, ensuring consistent taste throughout. This flavoring contributes to the cereal's appeal as a dessert-inspired breakfast option. It allows consumers to enjoy the essence of dulce de leche without the high calorie content of the actual confection.
Additional Ingredients and Additives
The base of Dulce de Leche Cheerios consists of whole grain oats, the primary ingredient in all Cheerios varieties. Corn starch and sugar are added to enhance texture and sweetness. The cereal also contains vitamins and minerals for nutritional value.
Natural and artificial flavors are used to achieve the dulce de leche taste. These may include caramel color and other additives to replicate the appearance and flavor of caramelized milk. Salt is included to balance the sweetness and enhance overall flavor.
Preservatives and stabilizers help maintain freshness and texture. The cereal is fortified with essential nutrients like iron, calcium, and various B vitamins, contributing to its nutritional profile.
Comparison With Similar Foods
Dulce de Leche Cheerios can be compared to other breakfast cereals to understand its nutritional profile. This cereal contains 100 calories per 3/4 cup serving.
When compared to original Cheerios, Dulce de Leche Cheerios are higher in sugar content. Original Cheerios have 1 gram of sugar per serving, while Dulce de Leche Cheerios contain more due to their sweetened flavor.
In terms of protein, Dulce de Leche Cheerios provide about 2 grams per serving. This is similar to other flavored Cheerios varieties but slightly less than original Cheerios, which offer 3 grams of protein per serving.
Iron content is a notable feature of Dulce de Leche Cheerios. They provide 50% of the daily value for iron per serving, which is comparable to other Cheerios varieties.
Vitamin C is another nutrient present in significant amounts, with Dulce de Leche Cheerios offering 25% of the daily value per serving. This is similar to other fortified cereals.
Compared to sugary cereals like Froot Loops or Cocoa Puffs, Dulce de Leche Cheerios generally have a lower sugar content while still providing a sweet taste.
The fat content in Dulce de Leche Cheerios is relatively low, similar to other Cheerios varieties and many other breakfast cereals.
